第10章 調查範圍、資訊來源、調查手法、註記

As the telecommunications network has grown, increased its density, and expanded to the edges of the globe, it has also become a major consumer of power-almost all of which is in the form of electricity. Distributed generation (DG) is one key tool that network providers can now use to reduce their energy costs. By producing their own electricity at the site, network owners and operators can often avoid high retail electricity rates and insulate their operations from grid unreliability. Additionally, they can power sites that previously could not be connected to the grid or could not rely on the grid for their power through the use of DG systems and backup storage systems.

The market for energy storage (ES) solutions for telecom infrastructure sites is also growing. Wireless providers-and subscribers-today have little tolerance for power outages that interrupt service. Most mobile tower sites have old-school lead-acid battery-based backup systems, but increasingly, new technologies such as lithium ion (Li-ion)-based systems are being installed. In developing markets-especially Africa and parts of Asia Pacific-the number of off-grid (or bad grid) mobile tower sites is growing markedly. Here is where DG or microgrids combined with ES solutions will increasingly power telecommunications infrastructure. According to Navigant Research, global telecommunications network provider spending on DG and ES purchases is expected to grow from $2.4 billion in 2015 to $3.4 billion in 2024.

This Navigant Research report analyzes the global market for DG and ES technologies in the telecommunications industry. These technologies include reciprocating gensets (both diesel and natural gas), fuel cells, solar PV, battery-based uninterruptable power supply (UPS) systems, and complete microgrid-nanogrid solutions. Global market forecasts for capacity and revenue, segmented by technology and region, extend through 2024. The report also examines the key market issues related to DG and ES technologies, as well as the competitive landscape.

Key Questions Addressed:

What are the key technologies providing electricity to the telecommunications industry today?

How do these power service technologies differ between grid-tied and off-grid tower sites?

How will the mix of distributed generation (DG) change over the next 10 years?

What are the trends in terms of preferred options for energy storage (ES)?

How do changes in wireless network technology affect power supply requirements and corresponding technology configurations?

Which companies are leaders in power provision to the telecom industry?